International Activity in 2026: Building Relationships Across Borders

The legal profession has always been international in outlook, but never more so than today. Technology, global commerce and increasingly cross-border legal practice mean that today’s barristers will work with colleagues from other jurisdictions far more frequently than previous generations. Whether advising multi-national businesses, appearing before international courts and tribunals, participating in cross-border disputes or addressing global challenges such as artificial intelligence, climate change or international crime, barristers increasingly operate in an interconnected world.

Against that backdrop, the Inner Temple’s international programme continues to play an important role in fostering relationships between legal professionals across jurisdictions. Throughout 2026, the Inn welcomed visitors from around the world, strengthened existing partnerships and created new opportunities for dialogue, learning and professional exchange.
The year began with visits from law students from the University of Iowa College of Law, Stanford University and Belmont University College of Law, alongside delegations from the Bar Association of Washington DC and a group of judges and practitioners from Kazakhstan. These visits offered overseas students and lawyers an introduction to the history, traditions and modern work of the Inns of Court through tours, discussions and opportunities to meet members of the Inn. They also reminded us that while our legal systems may differ, the values that underpin them – integrity, independence, professional excellence and service to justice – are widely shared.

Supporting the next generation of internationally-minded lawyers remained a central theme throughout the year. The Inn continued its long-standing support for the Central and Eastern European Mooting Competition by providing sponsorship and through the participation of members as judges. The winning team from the University of Ljubljana once again demonstrated the exceptional standard of advocacy being developed across the region, while a separate two-day bilateral conference with the Bucharest Bar Association in Romania explored topics including judicial independence, professional ethics, AI and the evolving role of legal professionals in a rapidly changing world.

The International Committee’s programme reflected the breadth of modern international practice. Panel discussions examined international justice, rule of law capacity building and international practice opportunities, while a well-attended session on international arbitration provided practical insights for practitioners at all stages of their careers. These events brought together barristers, judges, academics and international practitioners to exchange experience and perspectives, reinforcing the Inn’s role as a forum for thoughtful professional discussion.

International advocacy also featured prominently. The California Lawyers Association returned to the Inn for its biennial Transatlantic Demonstration Moot, bringing together advocates and judges from England and Wales and the United States in a lively appellate hearing followed by discussion and networking. Such events illustrate not only the enduring common law connections between jurisdictions but also the value of learning from different approaches to advocacy and legal reasoning.
The Inn also continued to support initiatives that engage with some of the most pressing international legal issues of our time. The annual Geoffrey Nice Foundation Master Class in Dubrovnik brought together participants from across the world to consider the role of international humanitarian law in preventing armed conflict. Meanwhile, collaboration with the Law Society of Singapore during Singapore Convention Week explored the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in legal practice – a subject that increasingly transcends national borders and demands international cooperation.
One development during the year was the launch of the Inn’s first International Circuit event in The Hague. The visit of 32 members, led by the Treasurer, included a panel discussion at the International Criminal Court (ICC) followed by a very enjoyable dinner. The Hague is of course home to a number of international courts and legal institutions, making it a fitting location to strengthen relationships with members practising on the international stage and to reaffirm the Inn’s support for the rule of law internationally.

Looking ahead, the international programme shows no sign of slowing. At the time of writing, preparations are under way for visits to Malaysia to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Malaysian Inner Temple Alumni Association and to Delhi for the COMBAR India Roundtable Conference and to mark the 10th anniversary of the partnership between the Kapila & Nirmal Hingorani Foundation and the Pegasus Trust; for a high-level panel discussion on Humanitarian Law and Diplomacy; a visit to Washington DC for the American Inns of Court Celebration of Excellence; and for advocacy teacher training and vulnerable witness programmes in The Hague.

These activities are more than a programme of overseas visits or international hospitality. They are investments in professional relationships that we hope will benefit today’s practitioners and tomorrow’s leaders of the profession.

As legal practice continues to evolve, the ability to build trust, share expertise and learn from colleagues across jurisdictions will become ever more important. The Inner Temple’s international engagement ensures that, while rooted in centuries of tradition, the Inn remains confidently outward-looking and committed to strengthening relationships that will shape the future of the legal profession.

As legal practice continues to evolve, the ability to build
trust, share expertise and learn from colleagues across jurisdictions will become ever more important.
Our sincere thanks go to the members of the International Committee and to the many members of the Inn who have contributed so generously to our international work over the past year. Whether by welcoming overseas visitors, speaking at events, judging moots, mentoring young lawyers or representing the Inn abroad, they have demonstrated that lasting international relationships are built not by institutions alone, but by the commitment, generosity, and goodwill of individual members.

Jennie Collis Price
Secretary to the International Committee